Effects of restricted suckling on forage intake of range calves [1]
| Title | Effects of restricted suckling on forage intake of range calves |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 1996 |
| Authors | Sowell B.F. [2], Wallace J.D. [3], Branine M.E. [4], Hubbert M.E. [5], Fredrickson E.L. [6], Bowman J.G. [7] |
| Journal | Journal of Range Management |
| Volume | 49 |
| Pagination | 290-293 |
| Date Published | 1996 |
| Keywords | blue grama [8], Bouteloua gracilis [9], buffalograss [10], cow [11], feeding behavior [12], milk intake [13], milk restriction [14], rangelands [15] |
| Abstract | Twenty two-year-old primiparous Angus X Hereford cows and their heifer calves were used to study effects of milk consumption on calf performance, suckling behavior, and forage intake. Ten cow-calf pairs were allotted to each of 2 treatments on blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis [H.B.K.] Lag.) rangeland. Calves from 5 cows were prevented from suckling the rear udder quarters for 4 weeks to reduce milk intake by 32% when calves averaged 71 +/- 4 days of age. The other 5 calves were allowed to suckle normally. Four 12-day sampling periods were conducted from June through September. Calves from the control treatment weighed more (P < 0.05) than restricted calves in each period and at weaning. Calves from the restricted treatment did not (P > 0.10) suckle longer or more frequently than control calves during any sampling period. Forage organic matter intake was not (P > 0.10) different between cows or calves from either group at any date. Milk production was not different (P > 0.10) between groups 1 month after restriction periods were terminated. Calves on 4 week milk restriction did not increase forage organic matter intake and had decreased weaning weights compared to control animals. |
| URL | /files/bibliography/503.pdf [16] |
| DOI | 10.2307/4002585 [17] |
